TB CASES. Department of Health in Davao Region (DOH-11) Director Dr. Annabelle Yumang bares in a press briefing in Davao City on Friday (Aug. 4, 2023) that they have logged 10,363 tuberculosis (TB) cases in the region from January to June 2023. She attributes the discovery of the TB cases to their mobile chest X-ray campaign, among others, in urban and rural areas of the region. (PNA photo by Che Palicte)
DAVAO CITY – The Department of Health in Davao Region (DOH-11) recorded a total of 10,363 tuberculosis (TB) cases in Region 11 from January to June this year, an official said Friday.
In a press briefing, Dr. Annabelle Yumang, DOH-11 director, said the discovery of the cases was attributed to the agency's intensified case findings through mobile chest x-rays in urban and rural areas of the region.
Of the cases. 4,315 was recorded in Davao City, followed by Davao del Norte with 2,209, Davao de Oro (1,359), Davao del Sur (1,274), Davao Oriental (889), and Davao Occidental (344).
Yumang noted that TB cases have been rising for the past two years in the region, with 10,636 recorded in 2021 and 16,147 in 2022.
“In the past, we have lower cases recorded, but this time we have discovered these cases and we attributed it to our intensified case finding,” she said.
Despite the number of cases this year, however, she said the situation was “not alarming” since the health sector has been providing free medicines to patients.
Yumang said TB, which is associated with lung infection caused by a type of bacteria, is spread airborne when infected people cough, sneeze, or spit.
Aside from coughing with sputum or blood, other symptoms of active TB include chest pains, weight loss, fever, and night sweats.
“TB is curable and preventable. Majority of people with TB can be cured if diagnosed, and if appropriate medicines are provided and taken properly,” she said. (PNA)
